News / Regional
Plumtree Council tightens borehole drilling rules under new by-laws
2 hrs ago |
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PLUMTREE - Residents and stakeholders in Plumtree must now meet strict conditions before drilling boreholes or digging wells, following the enactment of Statutory Instrument 140 of 2025 [CAP. 29:15 Plumtree Town (Wells and Boreholes) By-laws, 2025].
According to the new regulations, anyone wishing to drill a borehole or dig a well within council jurisdiction must first apply for a permit and pay the prescribed fee. Applications must include written approval from the relevant Catchment Council and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority.
"No drilling company shall operate in council areas without a valid permit," the by-law states. "Unauthorized drilling or digging will attract penalties as outlined in the Second Schedule."
Drilling activities are restricted to the hours of 8am to 5pm, and any work outside these hours requires special council approval. Borehole siting must also meet safety standards -no borehole may be located downslope from ablution facilities, and wells must be covered with proper lids and use steel wire ropes for water retrieval.
Upgrades to public wells or boreholes are prohibited without council consent, and personal benefit from such upgrades is not allowed. Where upgrades result in reticulated water systems, public taps must be installed at accessible community points.
The council will oversee major repairs of public wells and boreholes, while routine maintenance of reticulated systems remains the responsibility of users. Use of public water sources for livestock, laundry, vehicle washing, or bathing is banned unless explicitly approved by council. Irrigation use also requires formal permission.
Each public well or borehole must have a registered water point committee, and no rehabilitated source may be used until commissioned by council and tested for water quality.
Vandalism of public wells or boreholes is now a punishable offence under the new by-laws, with fines specified in the Second Schedule.
The move is part of Plumtree Town Council's broader effort to regulate water access, protect public health, and ensure sustainable use of groundwater resources.
According to the new regulations, anyone wishing to drill a borehole or dig a well within council jurisdiction must first apply for a permit and pay the prescribed fee. Applications must include written approval from the relevant Catchment Council and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority.
"No drilling company shall operate in council areas without a valid permit," the by-law states. "Unauthorized drilling or digging will attract penalties as outlined in the Second Schedule."
Drilling activities are restricted to the hours of 8am to 5pm, and any work outside these hours requires special council approval. Borehole siting must also meet safety standards -no borehole may be located downslope from ablution facilities, and wells must be covered with proper lids and use steel wire ropes for water retrieval.
The council will oversee major repairs of public wells and boreholes, while routine maintenance of reticulated systems remains the responsibility of users. Use of public water sources for livestock, laundry, vehicle washing, or bathing is banned unless explicitly approved by council. Irrigation use also requires formal permission.
Each public well or borehole must have a registered water point committee, and no rehabilitated source may be used until commissioned by council and tested for water quality.
Vandalism of public wells or boreholes is now a punishable offence under the new by-laws, with fines specified in the Second Schedule.
The move is part of Plumtree Town Council's broader effort to regulate water access, protect public health, and ensure sustainable use of groundwater resources.
Source - Byo24News
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